A stye is a localized infection or inflammation of the eyelid margin involving hair follicles of the eyelashes (i.e., external hordeolum) or meibomian glands (i.e., internal hordeolum). A chalazion is a painless swelling of the meibomian glands. A stye usually is a painful, localized swelling. The entire lid may be swollen.

Cause

Blockage and infection of the sebaceous glands or a secondary infection of the meibomian glands of the eyelid. Untreated, the disease may spontaneously resolve or it may progress to the formation of a painless mass known as a chalazion. A chalazion can be quite large and can cause visual disturbance. Sometimes a generalized swelling and infection of the eyelid may occur if left untreated.

The usual complaint is of a localized painful swelling on one eyelid, generally starting as a pricking pain on blinking. In some cases, the complaint may start as a generalized swelling and redness of the lid that later becomes localized. Recurrences are common.

Styes are found more frequent in persons who have the following:

• Diabetes
• Chronic blepharitis [lid infection]
• Seborrhea
• High serum lipids (High lipid levels increase the blockage rate of sebaceous glands)
• Small unprescribed refractive error

Treatment

• Hot soaks (4 times a day for 15 min) are the mainstay of treatment.
• Antibiotics are indicated only when inflammation has spread beyond the immediate area of the hordeolum.
• Seborrhea
• Topical antibiotics may be used for recurrent lesions and for those that are actively draining

It can be prevented with good lid hygiene.